The Banks County Board of Commissioners agreed in a called meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 14, to call for a May 22 vote on a one-cent sales tax to be used for road and bridge projects. The tax would be divided among the county and cities based on population.
County and city leaders have been meeting to decide specific projects that could be funded with this tax.
Banks County Board of Commission chairman Jimmy Hooper said that most of the sales tax collected will come from the I-85 and Hwy. 441 exit due to the businesses located in that area.
Last year, seven counties in Georgia passed a one-cent sales tax for roads and bridges. Athens-Clarke County was one of the counties approving the sales tax. In Athens-Clarke, leaders project that $109 million will be collected over a five-year period. The projects in Athens-Clarke will include road repairs, sidewalks and bike lanes.
See next week’s print issue of the Banks County News for details on how the tax would be used, if voters approve it in the May 22 election.
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BOC calls for May 22 vote on tax for roads, bridges
The Banks County Board of Commissioners agreed in a called meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 14, to call for a May 22 vote on a one-cent sales tax to be used for road and bridge projects. The tax would be divided among the county and cities based on population.
County and city leaders have been meeting to decide specific projects that could be funded with this tax.
Banks County Board of Commission chairman Jimmy Hooper said that most of the sales tax collected will come from the I-85 and Hwy. 441 exit due to the businesses located in that area.
Last year, seven counties in Georgia passed a one-cent sales tax for roads and bridges. Athens-Clarke County was one of the counties approving the sales tax. In Athens-Clarke, leaders project that $109 million will be collected over a five-year period. The projects in Athens-Clarke will include road repairs, sidewalks and bike lanes.
See next week’s print issue of the Banks County News for details on how the tax would be used, if voters approve it in the May 22 election.
County and city leaders have been meeting to decide specific projects that could be funded with this tax.
Banks County Board of Commission chairman Jimmy Hooper said that most of the sales tax collected will come from the I-85 and Hwy. 441 exit due to the businesses located in that area.
Last year, seven counties in Georgia passed a one-cent sales tax for roads and bridges. Athens-Clarke County was one of the counties approving the sales tax. In Athens-Clarke, leaders project that $109 million will be collected over a five-year period. The projects in Athens-Clarke will include road repairs, sidewalks and bike lanes.
See next week’s print issue of the Banks County News for details on how the tax would be used, if voters approve it in the May 22 election.
Cyber Safety Training for parents planned at BCMS
There will be a Cyber Safety presentation for parents only on Tuesday, February 13, at 6 p.m. in the cafeteria of the middle school. The students will participate in a presentation during the school day.
This presentation will be conducted by a special agent from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.
Topics that will be covered include: online predators, popular applications used by teenagers and the dangers of texting and cyber bullying.
For more information, contact the school counselor, Mrs. Dodd, at tressa.dodd@banks.k12.ga.us or 706-677-2277.
All parents in the community are welcome to attend even if you do not have a middle school student at this time.
This presentation will be conducted by a special agent from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.
Topics that will be covered include: online predators, popular applications used by teenagers and the dangers of texting and cyber bullying.
For more information, contact the school counselor, Mrs. Dodd, at tressa.dodd@banks.k12.ga.us or 706-677-2277.
All parents in the community are welcome to attend even if you do not have a middle school student at this time.
Alto man charged with aggravated assault in case involving infant son
An Alto man was charged with aggravated assault in connection with injuries his infant son, who later died, received.
Alto police chief Josh Ivey said further charges could be pending against Derek Cook after an autopsy is done.
Ivey was contacted by Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta in late December for a “possible shaken baby” that they had at Scottish Rite Hospital.
Ivey spoke with a hospital official about the injuries the 6-week-old received and then contacted the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and requested assistance.
Cook was interviewed by the GBI and was charged with cruelty to children.
The baby died after being returned to the home.
“On January 26, at approximately 10:40 p.m., I was contacted by Sgt. Wigner of the Alto Police and advised that he was on scene at the residence with the infant and CPR was in progress,” Ivey said. “The infant had been returned home in early January. I responded to Northeast Georgia Medical Center where the baby had been taken.”
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta staff arrived at the hospital at 3 a.m. and the baby was transported to Egleston Hospital in Atlanta where he was pronounced dead shortly before 5 a.m.
“Further charges could be pending once the autopsy is complete,” Ivey said.
Alto police chief Josh Ivey said further charges could be pending against Derek Cook after an autopsy is done.
Ivey was contacted by Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta in late December for a “possible shaken baby” that they had at Scottish Rite Hospital.
Ivey spoke with a hospital official about the injuries the 6-week-old received and then contacted the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and requested assistance.
Cook was interviewed by the GBI and was charged with cruelty to children.
The baby died after being returned to the home.
“On January 26, at approximately 10:40 p.m., I was contacted by Sgt. Wigner of the Alto Police and advised that he was on scene at the residence with the infant and CPR was in progress,” Ivey said. “The infant had been returned home in early January. I responded to Northeast Georgia Medical Center where the baby had been taken.”
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta staff arrived at the hospital at 3 a.m. and the baby was transported to Egleston Hospital in Atlanta where he was pronounced dead shortly before 5 a.m.
“Further charges could be pending once the autopsy is complete,” Ivey said.
Garrison, Jaemor Farms honored
Bo Garrison was named Citizen of the Year and Jaemor Farms was named Business of the Year at the Banks County Chamber/CVB annual dinner Saturday night at Grant Hill Farms.
“The Citizen of the Year is a true entrepreneur,” Chamber/CVB president Sallie Hensley said when presenting the award to Garrison.
She went over his business ventures in Banks County, including David & Katies in downtown Homer.
Garrison has also served as a Banks County firefighter and was on the Banks County Board of Education for 22 years where he “served as an advocate for the children of the community.”
Hensley said Garrison serves meals to families in need, as well as to area churches and schools.
“He has served meals to children, the football teams and other school groups and churches,” she said. “Any time we are in need of meals, he is the first one we call. During snow storms and power outages, he serves public safety workers and takes food and wood to families that can’t get out.”
In accepting the award, Garrison said, “It is not about me. It is about all of you. I was raised by a Mama and Daddy who told me to give back to the ones who make you successful. That is the bottom line. Always remember that. I am honored to receive this award. It is an honor and privilege. I appreciate it.”
In presenting the Business of the Year award, Hensley stated that Jaemor Farms has been a family-run business by three generations on land that has been farmed for over 100 years.
The family opened their first market in 1981 and the second one, at Banks Crossing, in 2013. Daphne Crumley and Drew Echols accepted the award.
Echols stated, “Back in 2013, when we decided to come to Banks County, our family prayed a lot about that situation. That was a huge step for a small business to take on a second location. The county commissioners, the county government and the Chamber folks were all unbelievable to me and my family and have continued to be since 2013. The people from I-85 stop in but what keeps the doors open are the people of Banks County. It is the local community that is keeping the doors open. We appreciate it more than y’all will ever know.”
For more coverage from this event, see this week's issue of the Banks County News.
“The Citizen of the Year is a true entrepreneur,” Chamber/CVB president Sallie Hensley said when presenting the award to Garrison.
She went over his business ventures in Banks County, including David & Katies in downtown Homer.
Garrison has also served as a Banks County firefighter and was on the Banks County Board of Education for 22 years where he “served as an advocate for the children of the community.”
Hensley said Garrison serves meals to families in need, as well as to area churches and schools.
“He has served meals to children, the football teams and other school groups and churches,” she said. “Any time we are in need of meals, he is the first one we call. During snow storms and power outages, he serves public safety workers and takes food and wood to families that can’t get out.”
In accepting the award, Garrison said, “It is not about me. It is about all of you. I was raised by a Mama and Daddy who told me to give back to the ones who make you successful. That is the bottom line. Always remember that. I am honored to receive this award. It is an honor and privilege. I appreciate it.”
In presenting the Business of the Year award, Hensley stated that Jaemor Farms has been a family-run business by three generations on land that has been farmed for over 100 years.
The family opened their first market in 1981 and the second one, at Banks Crossing, in 2013. Daphne Crumley and Drew Echols accepted the award.
Echols stated, “Back in 2013, when we decided to come to Banks County, our family prayed a lot about that situation. That was a huge step for a small business to take on a second location. The county commissioners, the county government and the Chamber folks were all unbelievable to me and my family and have continued to be since 2013. The people from I-85 stop in but what keeps the doors open are the people of Banks County. It is the local community that is keeping the doors open. We appreciate it more than y’all will ever know.”
For more coverage from this event, see this week's issue of the Banks County News.
Next meeting on land use update set for Feb. 12
A citizens committee is taking an in-depth look into how Banks County should plan for growth over the next 20 years. The group met several times in the past six months to continue providing input on the update of the Banks County Comprehensive Land Use Plan. Input was also taken from county residents.
The citizen’s advisory group will meet to review the suggestions. This meeting will be held from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 12, at the Banks County Courthouse Annex. A meeting set for Jan. 8 was cancelled.
The Comprehensive Land Use Plan addresses issues such as public safety, education, housing, zoning and city-county cooperation.
The 2018 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Advisory Group members include: Todd Hubbard – Co-Chairman, Scott Ledford – Co-Chairman, Vicki Boling, CJ Farmer, Jody Goodroe, Bill Griffin, Julie Jackson, Brad McCook, Carissa M. McFaddin, Bobby Miller, Krysta Morrison, Kim Ledford, Russell G. Williams, Carol Williams, A.D. Smith and Ben Ramsey. An update of the county comprehensive land use plan is required by Georgia state law to be done every 10 years.
For more information on this story, see this week's issue of the Banks County News.
The citizen’s advisory group will meet to review the suggestions. This meeting will be held from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 12, at the Banks County Courthouse Annex. A meeting set for Jan. 8 was cancelled.
The Comprehensive Land Use Plan addresses issues such as public safety, education, housing, zoning and city-county cooperation.
The 2018 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Advisory Group members include: Todd Hubbard – Co-Chairman, Scott Ledford – Co-Chairman, Vicki Boling, CJ Farmer, Jody Goodroe, Bill Griffin, Julie Jackson, Brad McCook, Carissa M. McFaddin, Bobby Miller, Krysta Morrison, Kim Ledford, Russell G. Williams, Carol Williams, A.D. Smith and Ben Ramsey. An update of the county comprehensive land use plan is required by Georgia state law to be done every 10 years.
For more information on this story, see this week's issue of the Banks County News.
Reece announces plans to run for re-election
Sammy Reece announced this week that he plans to run for re-election to the District 3 seat on the Banks County Board of Commissioners.
Reece was elected to his first term on the BOC in 2010.
“I have enjoyed working for the people of Banks County,” Reece said. “I want to continue to work for the people and be a voice for the people.”
Reece said he is big on public safety and one of the county departments he works closely with is the sheriff’s office. He also works with the maintenance department and the senior center.
“I want to see Banks County grow in the right way,” Reece said, when making his announcement to seek re-election.
Qualifying for the two BOC seats up for election on May 22, Districts 1 and 3, begins at 9 a.m. on Monday, March 5, and ends at noon on Friday, March 9.
The District 1 seat is currently held by Danny Maxwell.
Reece was elected to his first term on the BOC in 2010.
“I have enjoyed working for the people of Banks County,” Reece said. “I want to continue to work for the people and be a voice for the people.”
Reece said he is big on public safety and one of the county departments he works closely with is the sheriff’s office. He also works with the maintenance department and the senior center.
“I want to see Banks County grow in the right way,” Reece said, when making his announcement to seek re-election.
Qualifying for the two BOC seats up for election on May 22, Districts 1 and 3, begins at 9 a.m. on Monday, March 5, and ends at noon on Friday, March 9.
The District 1 seat is currently held by Danny Maxwell.
Swearing-in held for new mayor in Lula
More than 50 people attended the swearing-in ceremony for a new mayor Of Lula on Jan. 2.
Jim Grier defeated long-time mayor Milton Turner in the November election. A group of approximately 50 people turned out for the swearing-in ceremony.
“I am honored to have been elected to serve you as your mayor, but I am even more honored that all of you here would come out on such a cold morning to be here for these first few moments of my term,” Grier told those in attendance.
City clerk Rosemary Totty performed the swearing-in.
Long-time Lula City Council member Mordecai Wilson offered words of encouragement to Grier.
“The city council, the city manager, city clerks and other employees, and the citizens of Lula are willing, anxious and supportive to listen to your leadership and direction in what way you want and with the city to grow and prosper now and for the future,” Wilson said.
Wilson and council member Marvin Moore were sworn in to another term as council members in the City of Lula.
Jim Grier defeated long-time mayor Milton Turner in the November election. A group of approximately 50 people turned out for the swearing-in ceremony.
“I am honored to have been elected to serve you as your mayor, but I am even more honored that all of you here would come out on such a cold morning to be here for these first few moments of my term,” Grier told those in attendance.
City clerk Rosemary Totty performed the swearing-in.
Long-time Lula City Council member Mordecai Wilson offered words of encouragement to Grier.
“The city council, the city manager, city clerks and other employees, and the citizens of Lula are willing, anxious and supportive to listen to your leadership and direction in what way you want and with the city to grow and prosper now and for the future,” Wilson said.
Wilson and council member Marvin Moore were sworn in to another term as council members in the City of Lula.
Alto purchases property for city hall
The Town of Alto agreed at its December meeting to purchase property for a city hall.
The council unanimously approved Mayor Audrey Turner to execute the contracts to purchase two pieces of property.
The council approved spending $180,000 to purchase 3.3 acres, including the Glory Bound Baptist Church building, at 186 Wade Street. Plans are to use this facility for a new city hall.
Approval was also given to spend $155,000 to purchase 1.24 acres, including a vacant convenience store building, at 3895 Gainesville Highway. Plans are to use this facility to house the city’s police department and GCIC.
Mayor Turner said funding for the two purchases would come partially from Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) revenue and $90,000 that had been set aside for a new city hall.
Turner said plans were to move forward immediately to get the new policy department location up and running. She projected a 2-3 month time frame for this project.
For more on this story, see this week's issue of the Banks County News.
The council unanimously approved Mayor Audrey Turner to execute the contracts to purchase two pieces of property.
The council approved spending $180,000 to purchase 3.3 acres, including the Glory Bound Baptist Church building, at 186 Wade Street. Plans are to use this facility for a new city hall.
Approval was also given to spend $155,000 to purchase 1.24 acres, including a vacant convenience store building, at 3895 Gainesville Highway. Plans are to use this facility to house the city’s police department and GCIC.
Mayor Turner said funding for the two purchases would come partially from Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) revenue and $90,000 that had been set aside for a new city hall.
Turner said plans were to move forward immediately to get the new policy department location up and running. She projected a 2-3 month time frame for this project.
For more on this story, see this week's issue of the Banks County News.
Bob Waldorf named Newsmaker of the Year
For almost 15 years, Bob Waldorf has provided advice and support to the Banks County agriculture community. He is retiring at the end of this year. Waldorf has been selected as Newsmaker of the Year for the impact he has had on Banks County farmers, who continue to rank in the top five in poultry and cattle producers in the state.
Waldorf began working in this area in 2003, covering Stephens and Banks counties. Then, he started full time in Banks County in 2005. He began his career in extension service right out of college, working as a 4-H agent and then as an agriculture agent in middle Georgia. He left extension service for 15 years and worked in the poultry industry. He returned to extension service work in 2000, working in Stephens County until 2005.
“I chose to work in extension because I believe God gives us certain gifts, abilities, and talents and He gave me a servant heart,” Waldorf said. “I saw the opportunity to serve and educate others through a career as an extension agent. I have thoroughly enjoyed helping others and truly caring for the betterment of the people in the counties where I have worked.”
For more on this story and other end-of-the-year articles, see this week's issue of the Banks County News.
Waldorf began working in this area in 2003, covering Stephens and Banks counties. Then, he started full time in Banks County in 2005. He began his career in extension service right out of college, working as a 4-H agent and then as an agriculture agent in middle Georgia. He left extension service for 15 years and worked in the poultry industry. He returned to extension service work in 2000, working in Stephens County until 2005.
“I chose to work in extension because I believe God gives us certain gifts, abilities, and talents and He gave me a servant heart,” Waldorf said. “I saw the opportunity to serve and educate others through a career as an extension agent. I have thoroughly enjoyed helping others and truly caring for the betterment of the people in the counties where I have worked.”
For more on this story and other end-of-the-year articles, see this week's issue of the Banks County News.
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